Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has dismissed a senior cabinet official and his two deputies, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

Muhammad Khalaf Ahmad, was a close aide to his predecessor and rival, Nuri al-Maliki.

The statement on August 12 did not provide a reason for the dismissals, but the announcement comes amid major reforms to reduce corruption and save money.

Earlier this week, Abadi launched major governmental reform in response to a wave of massive protests in recent weeks.

The reform package, which has been approved by parliament, includes eliminating a layer of senior government positions, ending sectarian and party quotas for government posts, and reopening corruption investigations.